Individuals with greater muscle strength are significantly less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Hong Kong.
The study revealed that people with high muscle strength face a 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with weaker muscles. Researchers emphasized that maintaining strong muscles could be a key strategy for preventing the chronic condition, which affects about 10% of the global population.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. The disease is linked to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, narrowed blood vessels, and stroke. Experts note that both genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to its development.
Lead researcher Professor Ryan Au Yeung highlighted the value of large-scale biobank studies, stating, “This research underscores how genetic factors and lifestyle exposures interact to influence type 2 diabetes risk. Future studies using ethnic-specific biobanks are essential to verify if these findings extend to populations such as East Asians.”
Co-author Professor Youngwon Kim added that individuals in middle and later life stages are particularly vulnerable to type 2 diabetes. “Our findings demonstrate that higher muscle strength can significantly reduce future diabetes risk, even among those with a strong genetic predisposition,” Kim said.
The researchers support existing public health recommendations, which advise adults to engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week to promote disease prevention.
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